Kern River
Kern River
4
About
California river known for its scenery and rafting.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
13 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
RoP
Los Angeles, CA69 contributions
Feb 2022
We drove 113 miles from Los Angeles to see the river and to picnic. It was worth a visit, but we will not go back.
The only places with river access where you can picnic are the picnic areas; however, the only open picnic area that we found was the Upper Richbar, which is located only a couple of miles away from the Lower Richbar picnic area.
You have to pay 12 dollars to stay. It is a small area with access to the river. There are pleny of parking spots in the parking area. There are also tables and benches, barbeques and two bathrooms. We did not use the bathrooms, so I do not know in what condition they are.
There are not many trees, so I recommend taking a beach umbrella to avoid the heat. There is overgrown grass everywhere, and the river has an unpleasant smell. Despite the smell, I saw some people swimming in the river. The river does not have much water in February.
Pros: The nice view of the mountain from where we were sitting, the soothing sound of the river flowing and the birds singing, and the area was relatively clean.
The only places with river access where you can picnic are the picnic areas; however, the only open picnic area that we found was the Upper Richbar, which is located only a couple of miles away from the Lower Richbar picnic area.
You have to pay 12 dollars to stay. It is a small area with access to the river. There are pleny of parking spots in the parking area. There are also tables and benches, barbeques and two bathrooms. We did not use the bathrooms, so I do not know in what condition they are.
There are not many trees, so I recommend taking a beach umbrella to avoid the heat. There is overgrown grass everywhere, and the river has an unpleasant smell. Despite the smell, I saw some people swimming in the river. The river does not have much water in February.
Pros: The nice view of the mountain from where we were sitting, the soothing sound of the river flowing and the birds singing, and the area was relatively clean.
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judysj
Orange, CA61 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Beautiful clear water, perfect for swimming and sliding on the natural waterslide rocks. We had such a fun day here! Bring a picnic and some folding chairs, towels, etc. and have a great time! I recommend water shoes, but it's okay without them too.
Written 12 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason M
Naples, FL140 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Stayed for 2 nights... June 20,21st and had a great time. Peter the campsite host was very friendly and helpful. We were in site #3 which was a little rocky so if you have a large Tent this is not the spot for you. Not too much shade at this campsite in general but some sites have plenty of shade. Campsite was very clean and I was impressed with how clean the bathrooms were (ive seen some pretty bad ones). The River was beautiful and refreshing... Site #4 seems to be the largest so if you have a large group it can accommodate several tents. Sites 15,16,17 are on the water and have the best waterfront beaches so if you book early enough choose those sites. Also sites 21,22,23 have shade and are close to McNally's Lodge. Overall great experience and we are coming again next year..!!
Written 25 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seaseahb
4 contributions
May 2014
Do not do any dispersed camping at the Kern River. Our family was shocked at the trash littered through out the dispersed camp ground. There is no potable water,port a potty only yet people were urinated and defecating through out the camp ground. Did I mention the trash?? Never again will we return. So sad to see such a serene and beautiful place abused. The town of Kernville was lovely. Most paid for camp sites were good but I still question the health of the river.
Written 4 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brennan C
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
Jul 2013 • Friends
When visiting Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, California, there is a lot of outdoor activities to participate in. One of the best activities is hiking, especially in the Kern River Valley. One trail in the valley is called the Kern River Trail. It is one of the few trails that actually runs parallel to the river itself. You hike, slightly elevated, right along the beautiful Kern River. Surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Californian scenery, this trail makes you realize just how extraordinary nature is.
Between the spectacular views and the feel of the dirt path, this trail is the perfect escape from urban and suburban life. If the actual hiking doesn’t create a love for nature for you, then the river will. The Kern River is excellent for swimming, because the current isn’t very fast in most parts. But on hot days in the desert, temperatures can push 100 degrees, with no signs of humidity. The river is ice cold, and at first touch can almost feel too cold, because the water is the snow melt off from higher up in the mountains. This provides the perfect break from hiking on a hot day. Another great activity right off the trail sun bathing. Protruding from the water’s surface are large boulders that supply ideal spots to lay down a towel and bask in the sun. If you get too hot, you can just get back in the ice cold water.
One of the best things about this trail is its’ accessibility. As a visitor, you are able to drive right up to the trail and park right above it. It also isn’t a strenuous hike, like some of the other mountain trails, so it is fun for every member of your group no matter what age they are. The trail is also not very busy and is considered one of the more isolated trails. The isolation and lack of other hikers make it seem like your own personal trail. Everything about this area brought out a love of nature I’ve never felt before and it could do the same for you. Between the views, the swimming, and the isolation there is something for everything. I recommend visiting the Kern River Valley when in California, and I highly recommend visiting the Kern River Trail.
Between the spectacular views and the feel of the dirt path, this trail is the perfect escape from urban and suburban life. If the actual hiking doesn’t create a love for nature for you, then the river will. The Kern River is excellent for swimming, because the current isn’t very fast in most parts. But on hot days in the desert, temperatures can push 100 degrees, with no signs of humidity. The river is ice cold, and at first touch can almost feel too cold, because the water is the snow melt off from higher up in the mountains. This provides the perfect break from hiking on a hot day. Another great activity right off the trail sun bathing. Protruding from the water’s surface are large boulders that supply ideal spots to lay down a towel and bask in the sun. If you get too hot, you can just get back in the ice cold water.
One of the best things about this trail is its’ accessibility. As a visitor, you are able to drive right up to the trail and park right above it. It also isn’t a strenuous hike, like some of the other mountain trails, so it is fun for every member of your group no matter what age they are. The trail is also not very busy and is considered one of the more isolated trails. The isolation and lack of other hikers make it seem like your own personal trail. Everything about this area brought out a love of nature I’ve never felt before and it could do the same for you. Between the views, the swimming, and the isolation there is something for everything. I recommend visiting the Kern River Valley when in California, and I highly recommend visiting the Kern River Trail.
Written 17 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott E
125 contributions
Went about 10 years ago a great place for camping a true life experience
We caught wild trout ate them also experienced raccoons and skunk
Great local outside wildlife centres as well
Highly recommended
We caught wild trout ate them also experienced raccoons and skunk
Great local outside wildlife centres as well
Highly recommended
Written 30 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mia C.
10 contributions
Aug 2019
Beautiful River, Lake, Mountain and many great restaurants.
It is paradise only 2:30 hour from Los Angeles. Lots of camp sites by the river.
It is paradise only 2:30 hour from Los Angeles. Lots of camp sites by the river.
Written 10 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dvmspike
Tucson, AZ27 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
Big Water run---Class 4, 9 river miles--was a great time. Also, were able to swim some rapids. Great food. Guides were friendly, knowledgeable and fun to be around. Jumped off a 20 foot cliff with my two teenage sons. Great time.
Written 29 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Masood M
Singapore, Singapore212 contributions
Have seen better rivers in my life but the 14 mile drive to Kern is extraordinary and if you get a chance to spend a night in the area our host galaxy, the milky way will mesmerize you.
Written 9 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin P
Waihi Beach, New Zealand479 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Lovely place, just up from Bakersfield in the Kern Canyon. Some reasonable rock too on granite which we spent the day on before flying out to NZ.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi my friend and I will be river rafting in South Kern River next week and we'd like to know how far/what's the best hiking and camping trails near the Kern River? Is Sequoia national park nearby to check out the highlights? We have heard it's about an hour away drive?
We have 2 days total so if someone can guide us on a reasonable itinerary, what to do and where to stay (lodging or camping), would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Written 7 August 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing